8 Ways To Emotionally Prepare For "Hamilton's" Inevitable Sweep Of The Tonys
Do not throw away this shot.
The 70th annual Tony Awards are coming up this Sunday and the smash hit "Hamilton" is up for a record 16 nominations in 13 categories. There are a few categories where the show seems to have the award on lock, and a couple others that it may have a bit more trouble securing the spinning statue. No matter how many awards the show takes home, however, it's certain to be a wonderful night for the show, and more importantly, fans of the show. The Tonys broadcast, hosted by perfect teddy bear of a human James Corden, is sure to be full of sketches about, songs from and references to the musical juggernaut. So how do those of us who haven't had the chance to see the show in person prepare for the big night? I have some ideas.
1. Watch the Carpool Karaoke with Lin-Manuel Miranda and gang until YouTube asks if you're ok
The latest edition of James Corden's late night staple features the king of Hamilton himself along with other Broadway big shots Audra McDonald, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Jane Krakowski and is basically a perfect 11 minutes of video. Come for Lin and James rapping "Hamilton," stay for Audra belting out "Les Misérables."
2. Listen to the Original Cast Recording of "Hamilton" until those are literally the only words you know
You probably do this already, so it won't be too much work really, but you should really be listening non-stop between now and Sunday, to really show your allegiance.
3. Watch all your favorite #Ham4Ham shows and remember how you weren't there the first time and get sad
My personal fave? The three men who played King George lip syncing to "The Schulyer Sisters." There are a lot of great options though, including one featuring Elmo!
4. Since you're already on YouTube, watch all the interviews with cast members and cry because you're not friends with them
Check out Jonathan Groff teaching Stephen Colbert how to walk like King George, or CBS Sunday Morning's feature on the musical and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
5. Attempt to get tickets and realize just how much of a fools errand that is and then laugh yourself into a Joker-like psychosis for even thinking it was possible
Seriously, tickets aren't even available on the website right now, you can only count on the lottery, which I mean...good luck with that.
6. Realize that reading "Hamilton The Revolution" is probably as close as you'll get to seeing the show, and read it again
Yes, even though you've already read it cover to cover many times, give it another go.
7. Peruse the Genius page for the recording and realize again just how much of a genius Lin-Manuel Miranda is
It doesn't matter how many times you've listened to the recording, there is literally always something new you can find in these lyrics.
8. Give the other shows nominated for Best Musical this year a shot and witness some of the other genius on Broadway
Seriously, they're Tony-nominated musicals, they've clearly got something going for them.